Planting Seeds

Happy happy happy are we

Happy happy happy are we

I love you, and you love me

Together we make a happy family!!

When my children were young and in the "Barney" stage of life we often sang this little ditty! We sang it to express our love, to feel better when we were down and we sang it because we were "in love" and we were happy! I loved this time of parenthood, my kids were so receptive to songs and, books with messages of character, kindness and creativity. I was keenly aware of the seeds that were being planted in my childrens mind and like a good gardener I was mindful of the crops, the seasons and the patient nurturing that was required.

Fast forward to this year when my children are now young adults and we see each other when they have time, and can fit their dad and I in to their busy schedules. We no longer sing silly songs or use the plates with the affirmations on them at dinner. They are truly the head gardeners of their lives. To prove my point I received a text from my daughter a few nights ago. All the text included was a link to a Huffington Post article. I followed the link and saw a title that made me stop. "How to Get Flat Abs, Have Amazing Sex and Rule the World in 8 Easy Steps" I think 'she's been hacked' - can you hack a text? Surely this is not something my sweet daughter would send to me. And yet I continued on to read the article and was fascinated and excited! This was great stuff! This was really good and powerful and, and, and -- my daughter had sent it to me!  About the time I finished reading the article I received another text from my daughter. This one said "read it - you'll like it. And it mentions one of your favorite books!" And I thought, oh my god! My daughter is sharing her seeds with me -- the seeds she is planting in her mind, in her life as the gardener of her own life - and not only that she knows one of my favorite books --but wait which one was she referring to? I had to go back to the article (all of this on my phone) and read through it quickly to realize that she was referring to The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Yes it is one of my favorite books and yes, my 24 year old daughter is harvesting and experiencing the seeds we planted all those years ago. And, so am I!

The stage of this gardeners life has changed too. I no longer make up silly little songs - well not often. Everyday I plant the seeds in my mind for what I want to grow in my life. Today, I am planting seeds of acceptance and trust. And, like a good gardener I am planting them confidently in prayer, watering them with affirmations and trust, surrounding myself with other spiritual seekers who remind me that we are all gardening together.

Here is the link to that article that my daughter shared.

• Article: http://huff.to/1evSRA9

Practicing Mindfulness With Children

“If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.” Dalai Lama

Recently, at the Center of Spiritual Living, Capistrano Valley, the Roots of Science of Mind class concluded its 10 week journey. As part of the closing, a special project was to be created by each student. As a pull, Meditation for the Middle (as in Middle School children) was my direction.

Weeks prior to the conclusion of class, a purchase of Thich Nhat Hanh's wonderful book, "Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness with Children," was made. This book is a guide with many lessons, as well as a CD to assist in leading a child to Mindful living. A film (based on the book), is in the midst of creation, through the help of supporters on http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/planting-seeds-the-power-of-mindfulness.

Assisting a child in the life-long journey of meditation is a gift that will never stop unfolding. This is a gift which allows them to become in tune with themselves, experience the Oneness of nature, and find a deeper connection with others. It can lead them to a place of peace, leading to a radiating place of peace throughout their lives.

Meditation for the Middle starts August 1st in my family. I'm looking forward to witnessing the experiences that await. Namaste.